Nutrition
for
emotional wellbeing
Food is the body and mind's fuel and we need good quality fuel for peak performance.
The affect of nutrition
on our wellbeing is often overlooked and underestimated.
Just as you wouldn’t fill your car with contaminated petrol, so
too the mind and body needs good quality food at regular intervals.
Nutrition is a complex subject, and different people may have different dietary requirements, but below are some general, simple guidelines for good health.
• Eat three
meals a day. Breakfast is the most important!
• Take time out for eating – eat and do nothing
else, do not watch TV, or eat and work at the same time
• Eat slowly, chewing each mouthful. Not only aids digestion,
but keeps you slimmer!
• Eat a diet high in protein and complex carbohydrates.
Good sources of proteins are eggs, white meat as in chicken
and fish. Complex carbohydrates are those with
a low score on the glycemic index.
•
Cut out or reduce foods containing sugars, artificial sweetners,
refined foods, ‘junk’ food. Foods to avoid
are: white bread, white rice, cakes, sugary snacks,
fast food
• Cut out or reduce stimulants – for example,
tea, coffee, colas, cigarettes and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water, at least 1litre per day. Tea
and coffee don’t count!
• Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
• Ensure that you have sufficient essential fatty acids,
contained in oily fish and sunflower, pumpkin seeds, soybeans
If nutrition is a matter of concern for you I recommend that you seek
the advice of a qualified nutritionist.
Recommended books:
‘The Optimum Nutrition Bible’ by Patrick Holford,
and 'The Mood Cure' by Julie Ross.
